Haemobilia: a report of 2 cases

Although rare, haemobilia should be included in the differential diagnosis of obscure gastro-intestinal bleeding, particularly when accompanied by colic and jaundice. Case histories of 2 patients with haemobilia of different origin are presented. One had traumatic haemobilia after suture of a liver rupture; in the other patient an aneurysm of a branch of the right hepatic artery ruptured into the hepatic duct. The first patient recovered spontaneously; the second required ligation of the affected blood vessel. Diagnosis and treatment of the haemobilia syndrome are discussed, with reference to the liver blood supply.